Tartan Trek set to return to Royal Deeside

CLAN Cancer Support is calling for local walkers to take part in their 6th annual Tartan Trek, which returns to Royal Deeside next month.

The charity walk will take place on Saturday, May 9, and will see trekkers explore the picturesque Glen Gelder on Balmoral Estate.

The event has slightly changed this year and will now include a 3.5km ‘Tartan Toddle’ alongside the regular 15km ‘Tartan Trek’.

The child-friendly 3.5km route will include a find CLANCY the mascot trail for participants to complete as they walk. The longer 15km route is suitable for participants of all fitness levels and follows estate roads and landrover tracks.

Last year nearly 100 walkers took part in the event, which aims to raise awareness of the charity’s work within the Deeside region as well as helping raise funds that will enable it in its provision of free support services to anyone affected by cancer throughout the north-east of Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said: “The Tartan Trek is always a fantastic day out for all those involved and really has established itself as an important event for CLAN, helping highlight the work we do in Deeside as well as raising valuable funds for our cause.

The setting of the event is truly stunning.

Susan Crighton

“The setting of the event is truly stunning, even more so if the sun shines and we’re really looking for as many people as possible to take part in either route. The new 3.5km route will include a find CLANCY the mascot trail for kids and big kids too! There really is something for everyone.”

The walk starts at 11am from the rear of the Tourist Information Centre in Crathie by Balmoral. Entry fee is £6 for the 3.5km route and £8 for the 15km route. All under 16s can walk for free but must be accompanied by an adult. No dogs are permitted on the route.

Participants can register online via www.entrycentral.com/tartantrek or hard copies of registration forms can be picked up from the CLAN charity shop in Bridge Square, Ballater.

For further information, email ballater@clanhouse.org.

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.